Capitol Letters: Key accomplishments out of the Local Government Committee

State Rep. Megan Jones

With the 2025 legislative session concluded, the Local Government Committee reported 25 bills out of the committee for full consideration of the House of Representatives. Of those bills, 10 have been signed into law by Gov. Kim Reynolds. These bills cover a range of topics including disaster relief, providing protection for property owner rights and civil service reform.

Gov. Reynolds signed into law Senate File 619 which enhances and improves Iowans recovery efforts for communities affected by natural disasters. This comprehensive legislation encompasses several important programs and regulatory changes that will benefit homeowners, renters and the broader community. The bill establishes the Natural Hazard Mitigation Financing Program, expands the Disaster Recovery Housing Assistance Program and provides consumer protection regulations for post-lost assignment of benefits for those effected by natural disasters limiting the amount adjusters are allowed to collect and providing regulation for how adjusters, contractors, and appraisers are to conduct business.

House File 645 provides essential protections for racetracks across Iowa to help ensure their continued success and growth. House File 645 establishes that racing facilities and racetracks will not be subject to nuisance claims from property owners who move into the area after the facility has been established. With the new protections in place, local racing facilities can focus on hosting races and events for fans and families. This stability will allow for better planning, investment in improvements and the ability to attract more events. Racing facilities are not just places for competition; they are economic engines for our communities. They create jobs, support local businesses and draw visitors from near and far. By safeguarding these venues, we are also safeguarding the economic benefits they bring to local communities.

House File 297 clarifies Iowa Code that a city council member may be appointed the chief of volunteer fire fighters or another appointed officer position with a majority vote of the city council. The council member must abstain from their appointment vote. The new law also creates an optional reserve savings fund for cities to make purchases or large maintenance on equipment for police, fire, rescue or emergency medical services. Funds would be allowed to carry over fiscal year. These optional reserve funds provide local governments another tool to make larger necessary purchases such as fire engines or new law enforcement vehicles.

Email: megan.jones@legis.iowa.gov.